Five-striped Disonycha flea beetle (Disonycha quinquelineata)

This species is rare at La Selva, seen a few times on Passiflora biflora, P. auriculata and P ambigua in the garden area (now the lab clearing), in the successional plots in 2012-15 on biflora, and on biflora at the edge of the La Selva property near the Arriera-Zompopa cabins; all in open disturbed areas. The largest of the La Selva Passiflora-feeding flea beetles, the females often have their abdomen distended with eggs as they feed on the host plant. I have often encountered this species on P. biflora outside La Selva, for example in beach habitats at Tortuguero and Bocas del Toro, Panama. In 2018 we have found this species on P. ambigua, in the Passiflora garden.

The larvae are reddish-pink or rddish brown and are studded with hundreds of small glandular-appearing "balloon" organs (see photos below). These are analogous to, but clearly different from, the balloon organs on Parchicola and Monomacra, suggesting relatedness between these genera. The pinkish eggs of this species are long and cylindrical, like Parchicola and Monomacra, and are laid on the underside of host plant leaves. Unlike Parchicola and Monomacra, mature larvae feed on the leaves of the host plant.

 
Female Disonycha quinquelineata feeding on P. biflora in successional plots at La Selva. This is the largest of the La Selva Passiflora feeding flea beetles. Photo of D. quinquelineata on P. biflora at Tortuguero National Park 35 miles to the east of La Selva.
The larvae feed on leaves and new growth of P. biflora. Like other Passiflora-feeding flea beetles, the larvae are covered with rounded protuberances on the back and sides, covering the head and legs almost totally. They walk up and down the stems frequently. The protuberances are whitish in color, contrasting with the reddish brown body.
The protuberances are tipped with 1-3 tiny flask-shaped organs. The rounded ends are patterned and seem to be made of cuticle. The number of organs is related to the size of the protuberance. They look related to organs on the Parchicola, except for being elongated. The bases of the organs are black, surrounded by a separate black ring. The function of these organs is unknown but they look capable of disseminating chemicals to potential predators such as ants and wasps.
The head is covered with a dense "crown" of smaller protuberances with single tip organs. The tail end covers the powerful anal clasping organ which enables the larva to grasp the substrate during rest and locomotion.
Egg mass laid on P. ambigua in Passiflora garden at La Selva. D. quinquelineata egg, closeup.